Mentee Profiles

Estonia

Mai-Liis Metstak_Prii

My industries / fields of interest are mostly in Operations management and Supply chain management, but also Communication/PR, Marketing, Social marketing. I’m self-disciplined and great in my organizational skills. My strengths are teamwork, stakeholder management, event/project management. I’ve had a couple of sessions as a mentee 2 years ago and was trained as “mentor” myself at that time. It was an inter-company training where I became a mentor for new joiners in the company. Considering I’ve had only positive experiences so far with mentoring, I am interested to invest time and dedicate myself to it once more and on a more continuous basis (past experiences have been more ad hoc).

I would like to build self-confidence in a way that I am able to enjoy my everyday work and start building my career towards team management positions. There are two topics I am concerned about or interested in: 1) building self-confidence in what I do to be able to do it well and in a way that brings me joy, and 2) what other fields I might want to explore in the future? I feel I need a discussion partner to find clarity in those topics and perhaps work on some exercises and tools to get to that clarity. In order to grow and gain self-confidence I’m ready to be open and honest about my struggles.

I would like to have an open relationship with my mentor. It might help to have someone who has gone through a burnout or seen it closely but it’s not a must. I went through it myself in 2014 so it might be relevant for some conversations we have. 

In my free time I enjoy music (I sing in a choir, go to live concerts and listen to a lot of music online), so maybe someone who can relate to enjoying music could help as well – but again, not a must.

  • BAFF program and year: Professional Internship Program, 2015

    Highest degree: Master’s

    Field(s) of study: Supply Chain Management

    Employment information: Supply Growth Lead at Bolt Technology OÜ, Tallinn, Estonia

    Work experience: 9 years

    Industries/ fields of expertise: Supply Chain and Operations Management, Purchasing and Sourcing

    Industries/ fields of interest: Supply Chain and Operations Management, Communication/PR, Marketing, Social marketing

    Strengths: self-discipline, organizational skills, teamwork, stakeholder management, event/project management

    Previous mentorship experiences: I've had a couple of sessions as a mentee 2 years ago and was trained as "mentor" myself at that time. It was an inter-company training where I became a mentor for new joiners in the company. The goal was to support the newcomer and make sure he/she was on top of her tasks. Also, to provide support/guidance as a 3rd party in any challenges they faced during their probation period (the mentor was always someone from another department or with whom the mentee didn't interact much on a daily basis).

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online and offline. During weekdays I am in Tallinn but on weekends I usually drive away - either to Käsmu, Jõgeva, Tartu or Saaremaa. My schedule can be very different on a weekly basis but most commonly I'm available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I'm also open to meet over the weekends if the schedule allows.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I would like to build self-confidence in a way that I am able to enjoy my everyday work and start building my career towards team management positions. I do feel something is holding me back or there is a lack of motivation. This also means I often have doubts about whether my current field is the best fit for me (although considering what I enjoy doing in my free time then operations management seems to be a good fit). So there are two topics I am concerned about or interested in: 1) building self-confidence to be able to do my everyday job well and in a way that brings me joy, and 2) what other fields I might want to explore in the future. I need a discussion partner to find clarity in those topics and perhaps work on some exercises and tools to get to that clarity.

    I would like to have an open relationship with my mentor. It might help to have someone who has gone through a burnout or seen it closely but it's not a must. I went through it myself in 2014 so it might be relevant for some conversations we have. In order to grow and gain self-confidence I'm ready to be open and honest about my struggles. Similar to what my expectations are about the mentorship relationship, the mentor should be open and honest.

    Important to mention: Considering I've had only positive experiences so far with mentoring, I am interested to invest time and dedicate myself to it once more and on a more continuous basis (past experiences have been more ad hoc). If there is a chance, would love to meet the mentor in person at least once. In my free time I enjoy music (I sing in a choir, go to live concerts, listen to a lot of music online), so maybe someone who can relate to enjoying music could help as well - but again, not a must.

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailiismetstak/

Latvia

Sonja Vainere

I‘m still studying at high school. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my interest are in Art, Science/Research, Entrepreneurship, Business, Management, Law.  

My strengths are in creative thinking, discipline, ability to multi-task, flexibility. 

I do not have previous mentorship experience. I expect to have a mentor whom I can trust, who is honest and respectful. I believe that we can help each other to grow and accomplish our goals. I hope that my mentor will share with me relevant knowledge and expertise, display positivity, provide feedback. I can bring to this relationship discipline and my ability to process things quickly, as well as being open-minded. I see mentoring relationship as an opportunity to learn. 

I hope to become more empowered to make decisions about my future studies, what I want to do in my life. I strongly believe that mentoring can help me with developing communication skills. I’m looking to get practical advices that could help me grow professionally. I’m encouraged to take part in this program because it can help to develop my skills. 

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Industries of interest: Art, Science/Research, Entrepreneurship.

    Fields of interest: Business, Management, Law, Research, Entrepreneurship

    Strengths: creative thinking, discipline, ability to multi-task, flexibility.

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience.

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: weekends, mornings, afternoons.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I expect to have a mentor whom I can trust, who is honest and respectful. I believe that we can help each other to grow and accomplish our goals. I hope that my mentor will share with me relevant knowledge and expertise, display positivity, provide feedback. I can bring to this relationship discipline and my ability to process things quickly, as well as being open-minded. I see mentoring relationship as an opportunity to learn.

    Important to mention: I hope to become more empowered to make decisions about my future studies, what I want to do in my life. I strongly believe that mentoring can help me with developing communication skills. I’m looking to get practical advices that could help me grow professionally. I'm encouraged to take part in this program because it can help to develop my skills. It's important for me. We are here to help each other, and this program is excellent opportunity!

Elizabete Laivina

Currently I’m studying Nutrition and Biomedicine at the university. Industries of my expertise are in Science/research, Nutrition, Biomedicine, Anti-aging. I’m interested in Management, Entrepreneurship, Biomedicine, Anti-aging, Longevity.

I have just started a new “chapter” in my life and am a bit overwhelmed and confused by all the responsibilities, opportunities, experiences and dreams I encounter on a daily basis. From the mentorship program I would expect to gain some advice and support in choosing the right steps to grow and advance in my career. I do know what I would like to do, but I am seeking someone with more experience to help me figure out how to get there. I would like to have an experienced person who knows how to advance in a career, what needs to be done and what goals should be achieved. I would want my mentor to be supportive and at the same time keep me accountable in the planning, researching and goal setting process.

My aim is to set a plan for the next 5 years, including main milestones and goals that would allow me to develop the career I am dreaming about. I believe this mentorship program would be very beneficial and helpful, because, firstly, I would have to do the research and spend some time thinking and reflecting on my values, goals and dreams (which on a daily basis is not something I always spend enough time on). Secondly, I would have a person that holds me accountable and helps me find the “dots” that need to be connected and set the goals that need to be achieved in order to get a step closer to my dream career.

For me the industry of my mentor does not really matter. The most important factor would be that he/she is willing to advise and guide me through the process of understanding what I need to do during my Master studies to be ready for the job market after I finish my studies.

  • BAFF program and year: Leadership Academy, 2015

    Highest degree: Bachelor’s

    Field(s) of study: Nutrition and Biomedicine

    Work experience: 3 years

    Industries of expertise: Science/research, Nutrition, Biomedicine, Anti-aging.

    Industries of interest: Management, Entrepreneurship, Biomedicine, Anti-aging, Longevity

    Fields of expertise: Nutrition and Biomedicine

    Strengths: molecular biology, team and time management, social interactions

    Previous mentorship experiences: I have previously been a mentee in a pilot BAFF Alumni

    Mentorship program and I found it very helpful and enriching. The experience definitely helped me to get where I am now.

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, evenings.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I have just started a new "chapter" in my life and am a bit overwhelmed and confused by all the responsibilities, opportunities, experiences and dreams I encounter on a daily basis. From the mentorship program I would expect to gain some advice and support in choosing the right steps to grow and advance in my career. I do know what I would like to do, but I am seeking someone with more experience to help me figure out how to get there. I would like to have an experienced person who knows how to advance in a career, what needs to be done and what goals should be achieved. I would want my mentor to be supportive and at the same time keep me accountable in the planning, researching and goal setting process.

    My aim is to set a plan for the next 5 years, including main milestones and goals that would allow me to develop the career I am dreaming about. I believe this mentorship program would be very beneficial and helpful, because, firstly, I would have to do the research and spend some time thinking and reflecting on my values, goals and dreams (which on a daily basis is not something I always spend enough time on). Secondly, I would have a person that holds me accountable and helps me find the "dots" that need to be connected and set the goals that need to be achieved in order to get a step closer to my dream career.

    Important to mention: For me the industry of my mentor does not really matter. The most important factor would be that he/she is willing to advise and guide me through the process of understanding what I need to do during my Master studies to be ready for the job market after I finish my studies.

    I am always looking for ways to improve myself and develop my professional and personal skills. Moreover, I am a huge believer in the importance of goal-setting, planning and visualizing, therefore I like to at least to some extent figure out the "next steps" so I can prepare myself as good as possible. Lastly, I love to learn and gain insights from people who have more experience. For these reasons I am very keen to participate in this mentorship program and see how I and my life change.

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabetelaivina/

Tina Rubeze

I‘m still studying at high school. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. My strenghts are in idea building, creativity, social media management, public speaking. I worked in marketing agency as a social media manager and event photographer for half a year. I’m volunteering at the program “Future Heroes“ at Latvia’s Education center. In my free time helping for primary school students to do their homework. Industries of my interests are in Economics, Communication/PR, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship.

I would like to have a better outlook on my options what to study and a clarity for the next steps of my professional career. I would like to learn new skills, to get a chance to improve my management skills, opportunity to expand my network and get new connections.

I need support in setting my goals. I expect that my mentor will give me new perspectives and will lead me to new goals, will help me with career choice, and perhaps with my university applications.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Work experience: Worked in marketing agency as a social media manager and event photographer for half a year

    I’m volunteering at the program “Future Heroes” at Latvia’s Education center. In my free time helping for primary school students to do their homework

    Industry of expertise: Entrepreneurship

    Field of expertise: Social media

    Industries of interest: Economics, Communication/PR, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship

    Strengths: idea building, creativity, social media management, public speaking

    Previous mentorship experiences: I had a mentor for a social project I implemented

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online and offline (“Plostnieki” Bunkas pagasts, Dienvidkurzemes novads, Latvia). Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, evenings.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I would like to have a better outlook on my options what to study and a clarity for the next steps of my professional career. I would like to learn new skills, to get a chance to improve my management skills, opportunity to expand my network and get new connections.

    I need support in setting my goals. I expect that my mentor will give me new perspectives and will lead me to new goals, will help me with career choice, and perhaps with my university applications.

Davis Benefelds

Industries of my interests are in Finance, IT, Management, Entrepreneurship. I’m strong in problem solving, I can quickly adapt to new situations, managing the work of a team. I tend to be highly productive when around motivated people.

I want the relationship to go both ways, so that the process would be interesting and beneficial for me and the mentor. My goal is getting rid of my indecisiveness by the pressure of my mentor to make a clear and justified decision in various situations. I would like to improve my personality traits, like leadership and persuasiveness – all the advices about training opportunities, how to practice them or how to evaluate the progress with different exercises are more than welcome. 

I expect my mentor to be very open-minded and wanting to help, to understand better my points of view and my ideas. However, I expect my mentor to be critical to me because criticism and/or advice helps me better understand what is wrong or in which direction I should be working towards. It would be beneficial if my mentor would have some background in Entrepreneurship as this is an industry where I see myself in the future. I’m building a musician booking platform and regular feedback about the progress and direction I’m moving in would help a lot.

  • BAFF program and year:Virtual Leadership Academy, 2020

    Highest degree: Secondary education

    Field(s) of study: Computer Science and Organizational Technologies at Riga Business School

    Work experience: 1 year

    Industries of expertise: Marketing and Management

    Industries of interest: Finance, IT, Management, Entrepreneurship

    Fields of expertise: content creation, marketing strategy

    Strengths: problem solving, I can quickly adapt to new situations, managing the work of a team

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: Offline in Riga, Latvia; sometimes also online. Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, evenings

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I want the relationship to go both ways, so thatthe process would be interesting and beneficial for me and the mentor. My goal is getting rid of my indecisiveness by the pressure of my mentor to make a clear and justified decision in various situations. I would like to improve my personality traits, like leadership and persuasiveness – all the advices about training opportunities, how to practice them or how to evaluate the progress with different exercises are more than welcome.

    I expect my mentor to be very open-minded and wanting to help, to understand better my points of view and my ideas. However, I expect my mentor to be critical to me because criticism and/or advice helps me better understand what is wrong or in which direction I should be working towards. It would be beneficial if my mentor would have some background in Entrepreneurship as this is an industry where I see myself in the future. I'm building a musician booking platform and regular feedback about the progress and direction I'm moving in would help a lot.

    I expect the regular meetings to be well structured (requires preparation for them in advance), to use the time as efficiently as possible. I tend to be highly productive when around motivated people. Sometimes when I don't have this kind of people around, I often don't feel like doing much, so regular meetings with a mentor would help me with fighting that.

    Important to mention: As I want to relate my future with entrepreneurship and/or IT management, then I would love to gain insight from the industry professionals. Overall, just meeting new people and expanding my network is also what I'm looking forward to by taking part in this program. I believe that this is a great opportunity for me to combine many of my fields of interest and my skills to better develop myself and prepare for what is to come.

    I have lead a couple of student businesses (JA Latvia), and I have taken part in different entrepreneurship conferences / courses, like TechChill, How To Startup, Riga Comm”.

    My hobbies include sailing during the summer season and playing in an orchestra for the study year.

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-benefelds-2308321a4/

Roberts Ralfs Varslavs

Industries of my interests are in Economics, Finance, Communication/PR, Consulting, Marketing, Real Estate, International relationships, International development, Law, Management, Entrepreneurship, NGO. My strengths are patience, perseverance, and a bit of perfectionism in learning academically, doing case studies. I am interested in most things relevant to Economics, Business and Consulting.

I wish to improve my soft skills – leadership and social skills – to be able to fully recognize and pursue opportunities in my life. This would be crucially important in my studies and my enrollment into the Latvian job market later. Key insights, wisdom and networking opportunities made acquirable with the help of the mentor could help me with determination, making better decisions regarding me, my social circle and the wider community.

I believe that my social and leadership skills could be improved by learning from the mentor, him/her being an accountability partner. I would like to improve my productivity and leadership skills by reflection and discussion with the mentor. I expect the mentor to be talkative and a good listener. I would love acquiring unique industry, get field insights from my mentor.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2020

    Highest degree: General secondary education

    professionally oriented program (commercial sciences)

    Field(s) of study: Economics and Business (Year 1 student

    at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, SSE Riga)

    Work experience: short-term summer jobs over the past 3 years

    Industries of interest: Economics, Finance, Communication/PR, Consulting, Marketing, Real Estate, International relationships, International development, Law, Management, Entrepreneurship, NGO

    Strengths: patience, perseverance, and a bit of perfectionism in learning academically, doing case studies. I have academic economics knowledge (source: Silver medal in IEO 2021)

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: offline in Rīga or Jelgava, Latvia; online could work too

    Best time to meet: weekends, evenings

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I wish to improve my soft skills – leadership and social skills – to be able to fully recognize and pursue opportunities in my life. This would be crucially important in my studies and my enrollment into the Latvian job market later. Key insights, wisdom and networking opportunities made acquirable with the help of the mentor could help me with determination, making better decisions regarding me, my social circle and the wider community.

    I would like to improve my productivity and leadership skills by reflection and discussion with the mentor. I believe that my social and leadership skills could be improved by learning from the mentor, him/her being an accountability partner. I expect the mentor to be talkative and a good listener.

    I am interested in most things relevant to economics, business and consulting. So, anything distantly related to these fields is welcome. I would love acquiring unique industry knowledge, get field insights from my mentor.

    Important to mention: Hobbies include traditional Latvian folk dancing and disc golf.

    LinkedIn profile: https://lv.linkedin.com/in/roberts-ralfs-v%C4%81rslavs-62a5761b4

Katrina Gandzjuka

I‘m studying IT (programming) at Riga state technical school-RVT. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my expertise and interest are in IT, Engineering, Management. I am communicative, open-minded, curious, enthusiastic and hardworking.

I do not have previous mentorship experience. I hope to find someone who can suggest how I can develop new skills, how I could use my strengths and guide through career paths to help me to find my own way to move forward. I hope that my mentor would be understanding, enthusiastic and ready to help.

I study programming, but I want to learn more about Management and IT. I like programming a lot, but I don’t see myself clearly as a future programmer. Regardless I would love to work and grow in the field of technology and would love to find the way to do that.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at Riga state technical school-RVT

    Field(s) of study: IT (programming)

    Industries/ fields of expertise and interest: IT, Engineering, Management

    Strengths: communicative, open-minded, curious, enthusiastic and hardworking

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online and some offline meetings in Riga are preferable too. Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, evenings. I prefer mentor from my own country of residence.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I study programming, but I want to learn more about Management and IT. I like programming a lot, but I don’t see myself clearly as a future programmer. Regardless I would love to work and grow in the field of technology and would love to find the way to do that. I hope to find someone who can suggest how I can develop new skills,how I could use my strengths and guide through career paths to help me to find my own way to move forward. I hope that my mentor would be understanding, enthusiastic and ready to help.

    Important to mention: Unfortunately, I have pretty chaotic schedule due to lessons in school and ballet rehearsals, so I would appreciate someone who is understanding.

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-gandzjuka-8138a321a

Annija Karkliniece

I‘m still studying at high school. Currently I am a foreign exchange student in the U.S. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my interest are in Communication/PR, Cinema/Audiovisual, Art, International relationships, International development, Governance/public service, NGO, Music, Diplomacy, History, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Contemporary issues. My strengths are in diligence, willpower, positive and responsible attitude. I will do things as best as I can do. 

I do not have previous mentorship experience. I would like to have a better outlook on my options and an idea what I would like to do after high school. I need guidance to figure out my life’s journey. I think that I need some encouragement. I hope to have strong bond with my mentor. I expect that my mentor is understanding, empathetic, welcoming and flexible.

I’m trilingual, I can play piano, know a lot of historical and other facts. I hope that my mentor and I will share some mutual interests. I would like to hear more about BAFF and what kind of benefits it offers for alumni community.

  • BAFF program and year: Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school (currently I am a foreign exchange student in the U.S.)

    Work experience: ~2 years

    Industries/ fields of interest: Communication/PR, Cinema/Audiovisual, Art, International relationships, International development, Governance/public service, NGO, Music, Diplomacy, History, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Contemporary issues

    Strengths: diligence, willpower, positive and responsible attitude, always will do things as best as I can do

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, evenings

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I would like to have a better outlook on my options and an idea what I would like to do after high school. I need guidance to figure out my life's journey. I think that I need some encouragement. I hope to have strong bond with my mentor. I expect that my mentor is understanding, empathetic, welcoming and flexible.

    Important to mention: I’m trilingual, I can play piano, know a lot of historical and other facts. I hope that my mentor and I will share some mutual interests. I would like to hear more about BAFF and what kind of benefits it offers for alumni community.

Lithuania

Aiste Jurkonyte

Currently I’m studying Medicine at the university. Industries/ fields of my expertise and interest are in Science/Research, Medicine, Bio-medicine. I’m ambitious and very career oriented, fluent in time management.

I do not have previous mentorship experience. My main goal is to make connections at Lithuanian/Baltic states hospitals/medicine centers, exchange ideas about scientific projects, learn about opportunities for medical students abroad. Leadership Academy was one of the most amazing things that happened to me. I am very grateful to be a part of BAFF community. I am sure that this program will help me in my career path. Actually, I hope that one day I will be not a mentee, but a mentor!

I expect to be matched with someone who could guide me in this quite hectic medical/scientific field. I hope to hear stories about how they started their career, where they did their practices/residency studies/scientific research projects and what should I do to follow their steps. If someone could show where they work or even suggest an internship – it would be amazing. Preferably, but not necessary, my mentors should be medical doctor in obstetrics and gynecology field.

  • BAFF program and year: Leadership Academy, 2018

    Highest degree: high school diploma, currently studying at the university

    Field(s) of study: Medicine

    Work experience: I have worked during few summers. From this September I have started individual activity

    Industries/ fields of expertise and of interest: Science/Research, Medicine, Bio-medicine

    Strengths: ambitious and very career oriented, fluent in time management

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: offline in Vilnius, Lithuania. Best time to meet: weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings. I would prefer mentor from my own country of residence

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I expect to be matched with someone who could guide me in this quite hectic medical/scientific field. I hope to hear stories about how they started their career, where they did their practices/residency studies/scientific research projects and what should I do to follow their steps. If someone could show where they work or even suggest an internship - it would be amazing. Preferably, but not necessary, my mentors should be medical doctor in obstetrics and gynecology field.

    Important to mention: My main goal is to make connections at Lithuanian/Baltic states hospitals/medicine centers, exchange ideas about scientific projects, learn about opportunities for medical students abroad. Leadership Academy was one of the most amazing things that happened to me. I am very grateful to be a part of BAFF community. I am sure that this program will help me in my career path. Actually, I hope that one day I will be not a mentee, but a mentor!

Ieva Butauskaite

I‘m still studying at high school. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my interest are in Architecture. My personal strengths are in communicability, empathy, logical thinking, time management, event management.

I do not have previous mentorship experience. My goal is to become an architect. I hope to find a way to achieve my goal without stress. I take a lot of classes that could help me to reach my goal. I hope my mentor will do a great job and I will be able to learn from his/her experience. I would like to hear how my mentor achieved his/her goals. My mentor should be positive and a great motivator, empathic.

I created my own music, the soundtrack for radio theater, furniture design for my home. I like to organize events, help people. I have experience working with children. I was a volunteer at the Old Town Children’s Day Center. I’m passionate about psychology, analyzing people’s behavior, I love self-analysis (including my own dreams). I enjoy interior design, photography, learning languages.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Work experience: I was a volunteer at the Old Town Children’s Day Center

    Industries/ fields of expertise and interest: Communication/PR, Cinema/Audiovisual, Art

    Industries/ fields of interest: Architecture

    Strengths: communicability, empathy, logical thinking, time management, event management

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: Weekends, Mornings. I prefer mentor from my own country of residence

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: My goal is to become an architect. I hope to find a way to achieve my goals without stress. I take a lot of classes that could help me to reach my goals. I hope my mentor will do a great job and I will be able to learn from his/her experience. I would like to hear how my mentor achieved his/her goals. My mentor should be positive and a great motivator, empathic.

    Important to mention: I created my own music, the soundtrack for radio theater, furniture design for my home. I like to organize events, help people. I’m passionate about psychology, analyzing people’s behavior, I love self-analysis (including my own dreams). I enjoy interior design, photography, learning languages.

Ugne Seputyte

I‘m still studying at high school. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my interest are in Finance, Communication/PR, Marketing, Art, Science/research, Real Estate, Management, Entrepreneurship. I am a very communicative and organized person.

I do not have previous mentorship experience. My goal is to run my own business one day, so mentoring could be a step towards developing my network and could help me to get insights from my mentor on ways how I could achieve my goal. Since I am interested in creating my own business, a person of design, business, finance or even psychology would be a great match for me. I want to develop a bigger professional network. Also, I want to create a beneficial friendship with my mentor.

I have at least basic knowledge about almost everything to keep our conversation going in various areas of interest. Additionally, I enjoy learning about human’s behavior and reasoning of action.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Industries/ fields of interest: Finance, Communication/PR, Marketing, Art, Science/research, Real Estate, Management, Entrepreneurship

    Strengths: communicative and organized

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online and offline in Vilnius, Lithuania

    Best time to meet: Weekdays, Afternoons, Evenings

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: My goal is to run my own business one day, so mentoring could be a step towards developing my network and could help me to get insights from my mentor on ways how I could achieve my goal. Since I am interested in creating my own business, a person of design, business, finance or even psychology would be a great match for me. I want to develop a bigger professional network. Also, I want to create a beneficial friendship with my mentor.

    Important to mention: I have at least basic knowledge about almost everything to keep our conversation going in various areas of interest. Additionally, I enjoy learning about human’s behavior and reasoning of action.

Andrius Kriukas

I‘m studying IT management and I work as IT Project Manager at Telesoftas in Vilnius, Lithuania. I took part in Leadeship Academy Program in 2014. Industries/ fields of my expertise as well as interest are in IT, Team/Project Management. My professional strengths are in understanding of development processes, account management, project management. My personal strengths: attention to details, communication, organization.

I do not have previous mentorship experience. I realize that there is so much space for my improvement and growth as a professional in the industry of IT management. Therefore, I want to know how to grow and hope that by participating in this program I can get a support. I have a goal to gain more knowledge and be able to plan better how I can improve as a project manager in IT. I expect from my mentor to get advice on what to learn, where to apply/look for experience. I hope that my mentor will be experienced manager in IT industry and that he/she is passionate about information technology.

  • BAFF program and year: Leadership Academy, 2014

    Highest degree: Bachelor’s degree (Unfinished Master's)

    Field(s) of study: IT management

    Employment information: IT Project Manager at Telesoftas, Vilnius, Lithuania

    Work experience: 4 years

    Industries/ fields of expertise and interest: IT, Team/Project Management

    Professional strengths: understanding of development processes, account management, project management. My personal strengths: attention to details, communication, organization

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online and offline in Vilnius, Lithuania.

    Best time to meet: weekdays, mornings.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I have a goal to gain more knowledge and be able to plan better how I can improve as a project manager in IT. I expect from my mentor to get advice on what to learn, where to apply/look for experience. I hope that my mentor will be experienced manager in IT industry and that he/she is passionate about information technology. Important to mention: I realize that there is so much space for my improvement and growth as a professional in the industry of IT management. Therefore, I want to know how to grow and hope that by participating in this program I can get a support.

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akriukas/

Lukas Gudelis

I‘m still studying at high school. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021.  Despite that I am a high school student, I have got a myriad of experiences of work with communities and youth in various NGO’S. Also, plenty of experience “student” jobs in constructions, hot air ballooning or farming. I would describe myself as an energetic, creative, and proactive young person. My strengths are in management of projects, leading non-formal education groups, problem-solving, analytical and future oriented thinking. 

My expectation for this mentorship experience is to have a ‘partner in crime’, that would share his/her knowledge and skills, could help me to have a better outlook on my options and an idea what I would like to do after high school. My goal is to choose studies. I would like to study Economics and Data Analytics, although there are many alternative options, such as Sociology, Business, Marketing and Sales.

Preferably, I would like to connect with mentor who is working in these fields: Economics, Marketing, IT, Management. It would be nice if my mentor could share experience and skills, insights or practical tips that helped him/her to become who they are.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Employment information: Coordinator of Volunteers at Lithuanian Social Democratic

    Youth Union, Vilnius, Lithuania

    Work experience: Despite that I am a high school student, I have got a myriad of experiences of work with communities and youth in various NGO'S. Also, plenty of experience "student" jobs in constructions, hot air ballooning or farming

    Industry of expertise: NGO

    Industries of interest: Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship

    Strengths: I would describe myself as an energetic, creative, and proactive young person. My strengths are in management of projects, leading non-formal education groups, problemsolving, analytical and future oriented thinking.

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience, for several months I have had a life coach.

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: afternoons, evenings.

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: I would like to have a ‘partner in crime’, that would share his knowledge and skills, could help me to have a better outlook on my options and an idea what I would like to do after high school. My goal is to choose studies. I would like to study Economics and Data Analytics, although there are many alternative options, such as Sociology, Business, Marketing and Sales.

    Preferably, I would like to connect with mentor who is working in these fields: Economics, Marketing, IT, Management. It would be nice if my mentor could share experience and skills, insights or practical tips that helped him/her to become who they are.

    Important to mention: Currently, I am fully focused on my studies. I have some knowledge in self-development, sports, management, non-formal education, youth policy, teambuilding.

Leja Povilaityte

I‘m studying at National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art in Lithuania. I took part in Virtual Leadeship Academy Program in 2021. Industries/ fields of my interest are in Finance, Marketing, Science/research, International relationships, Law. I am communicative, honest, creative, patient, enthusiastic and disciplined person.

Participation in the Leadership Academy showed me different ways of learning. It helped me to understand how to create new ideas and find interesting solutions. Now, I want to continue learning and deepen my knowledge, how to make my ideas work and understand the process. Also, because I am in my last year of school, I want to clear out my interests, that I could make the best decisions for my future.

I want to understand better the business, international relationships, and marketing fields. Also, I would like to learn more about research and science projects. I hope this mentorship will help me to understand what I want and how I can gain knowledge to be competitive in the labor market.

  • BAFF program and year: Virtual Leadership Academy, 2021

    Highest degree: studying at high school

    Work experience: 1 year

    Industry of expertise: Art

    Fields of expertise: contemporary dance, communication with customers

    Industries of interest: Finance, Marketing, Science/research, International relationships, Law

    Strengths: communication, honestly, creativity, patient, enthusiasm, discipline

    Previous mentorship experiences: there were no previous mentorship experience

    Preferred mentoring location and time: online. Best time to meet: weekends

    Expectations for the mentorship relationship: Participation in the Leadership Academy showed me different ways of learning. It helped me to understand how to create new ideas and find interesting solutions. Now, I want to continue learning and deepen my knowledge, how to make my ideas work and understand the process. Also, because I am in my last year of school, I want to clear out my interests, that I could make best decisions for my future.

    I want to understand better the business, international relationships, and marketing fields. Also, I would like to learn more about research and science projects. I hope this mentorship will help me to understand what I want and how I can gain knowledge to be competitive in the labor market.

    I expect that my mentor will be kind, enthusiastic, and would love his/her job. Also, able to convey his/her knowledge interestingly. I hope that we can trust each other.

    Important to mention: It would be beneficial if my mentor would be curious about life, interested in art, sustainability, and travel.